Las Palmas vs Valencia

January 27, 2016
By: Milos Markovic

Las Palmas and Valencia have both been in poor form lately and going into the semi-finals of the Copa del Rey would be a huge confidence boost for both sides. Las Palmas have scored a goal in the first leg against Gary Neville’s team and hold the slight advantage ahead of the Thursday’s return leg.

Entertaining without desired result

Las Palmas have been producing fairly entertaining displays in recent weeks, but the results have not been that entertaining. Quique Setien’s troops have lost two of their last three games in all competitions with 1-1 draw at Mestalla sandwiched in between the La Liga defeats to Atletico Madrid and Levante last time out. Wilfried Zahibo’s own goal in the first leg against Valencia saw Las Palmas earn a precious advantage ahead of the return leg at Gran Canaria. Las Palmas failed to use the momentum gained against Neville’s side to push past Levante away, as they suffered and entertaining 3-2 loss which left them below the relegation zone. Los Amarillos have a good home record and four wins in their last six home games give them optimism ahead of Valencia’s visit. Las Palmas earned their place in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals after the 6-4 aggregate win over Eibar.

Quique Setien could award the January signing Angel Montoro his debut in the midfield, while Las Palmas manager will have to do without Vicente Gomez, who remains on the sidelines due to his broken collarbone.

Neville having communication problems

Communication with his players has so far been the major issue for Gary Neville. Language barrier is preventing the former England defender from implementing his ideas and it has become quite frustrating to watch his emotional outbursts on the touchline. Gary Neville has recorded only three wins with Valencia so far and all three of them were Copa del Rey triumphs. Los Che coach is still waiting for the maiden league win and  is taking his team to Gran Canaria on the back of the 1-1 draw at Deportivo La Coruna. Late goal from Alvaro Negredo rescued a point for Valencia at the weekend, thus leaving Neville’s side 16 points behind the UEFA Champions League spots. English tactician has failed to end Valencia’s winless streak which now extends to ten games and seven under the new manager. Gary Neville is under pressure to start producing results in La Liga, and possible progression to the Copa del Rey semi-finals could provide his team with a much needed morale boost.

Gary Neville has no fresh selection problems. Diego Alves has recovered from his injury and returned to training, but he will be rested for the game against Las Palmas.

Verdict

It all remains square despite the fact that Las Palmas are entering the return leg with a slight advantage as they managed to score at Mestalla. Both teams are well aware that things are far from over and we should expect an openly contested affair. Las Palmas and Valencia are not in good form and ticket to the Copa del Rey semi-finals could be enough of an incentive to get the teams going.

Top pick: Both teams to score    1.83 (5/6) @888sport

Alternative pick 1: Over 2.5 goals    2.1 (11/10) @Coral

Alternative pick 2: Home win    3.00 (2) @BetVictor

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